Barcelona’s Champions League dream was left in tatters after a dramatic semi-final against Inter, with controversy swirling around a penalty decision involving teenage defender Pau Cubarsí. In the 44th minute, Inter’s Marcus Thuram set up Lautaro Martínez, who went down in the box after a challenge from Cubarsí. Referee Szymon Marciniak initially waved play on, but after a VAR review, awarded a penalty-despite replays suggesting Cubarsí touched the ball first
The decision proved pivotal as Çalhanoğlu converted the spot-kick, putting Inter 2-0 up before halftime and leaving Barcelona with a mountain to climb. Hansi Flick’s side, already stretched after a grueling Copa final, fought back valiantly but ultimately fell short in a 4-3 aggregate defeat
The incident has ignited debate across Europe, with many questioning Marciniak’s judgment and the role of VAR in such high-stakes moments. Marcus Thuram, meanwhile, played a key role for Inter, not only in the build-up to the penalty but also by opening the scoring in the first leg
As Barcelona’s young star Cubarsí faces scrutiny, and Flick ponders what might have been, the football world is left asking: Was this the moment that changed everything?
